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Non-League Paper

By Jon Couch
IF THERE’S one thing that Non-League clubs do particularly well it’s putting on a good old community or
charity fundraiser.
Regrettably, as much as we’d like to at the Non-League Paper, we just can’t give each one we hear about
the publicity they absolutely deserve.
But there were two events which featured in this week’s NLP – both taking place this weekend – which
touched the hearts of us all.
The first paid homage to ‘one of our won’ – a Non-League legend having a tough time of things right now.
A treble with Yeading, a famous FA Cup third round clash against Newcastle United and play-off success at
Maidenhead United, Darty Brown loved every minute of his Non-League career.
Tomorrow, team-mates from his past will come together for the former midfielder to raise money in his
fight against a rare form of cancer, Cardiac Sarcoma.
Maidenhead’s York Road home will host an All Star team from that promotion-winning side versus Darty’s
All Stars, made up of players he played alongside for Yeading and Staines as well as friends.
“It will be lovely to see them all running about, sweating, thinking they can still play,” Brown laughed. “We’ll
see. Lots of them still think they’re young so they may have a shock.”
Such is its rarity, there is limited research into the terminal and aggressive cancer. Money raised will go
towards support for medical bills in specialised treatment centres and on-going care for the 46-year-old,
who was diagnosed on March 7 last year.
“A lot of the symptoms other people who have had with it, my body is kind of defying it at the moment,”
Brown says, referring to the benefits of having played Non-League football for so many years.”
Brown admits he misses the changing room banter, but the bonds he made will be on show tomorrow
afternoon as the Non-League community pull together for one of their own.
Campbell, Francis Duku, Duane Lee, Adrian Toppin and Carl Wilson Dennis will feature for Darty’s All Stars,
while the likes of Bobby Behzadi, Dale Binns, Richard Pacquette, Mark Nesbit and Ashley Smith will turn
out for the Magpies.
Doors open at midday for a 3pm kick off, while there will be food and drink available, raffles and auctions
as well as a bouncy castle.
Duku’s Our Game Community Scheme CIC has donated prizes for the auction, while Kingstonian chairman
Mark Anderson is providing a coach to take people from west London to the game.
To support Brown’s fundraising for treatment against Cardiac Sarcoma visit www.gofundme.com/f/dartys-
hope-in-the-face-of-adversityrare-cancer.
Down in the south-west, Yeovil Town’s visit of Braintree Town at Huish Park this afternoon is no ordinary
game.
Dubbed ‘Paint the Park Pink’, the community-driven initiative has a crucial goal of raising awareness and
vital funds for breast cancer research.
Moreover, it aims to raise £40,000 towards the £2.5 mil.;.;/.;lion target for a new breast cancer unit at
Yeovil District Hospital.
The driving force behind this initiative is Yeovil commercial director Mark Robinson, who shared the very
personal motivation behind the club’s decision to organise this event:
“We came on board because Karina, a dedicated season ticket holder, was diagnosed with breast cancer,”
Robinson explained.
“Despite her own battles, she has devoted her retirement to raising money for the hospital charity.
Initiatives
“I approached her with the idea of painting the stadium pink, having the players wear pink, and directing
all funds towards the hospital. She was so enthusiastic about it. This is the week she’ll get the call to say
if she can stop her medication, or requires further treatment, exactly five years after her diagnosis.”
‘Paint the Park Pink’ promises a host of special activities and fundraising initiatives for all ages, while the
players will wear limited edition pink kits. Captain Josh Staunton has a deeply personal connection to this
cause.
“Having lost a dear friend to cancer, this cause holds a special place in my heart,” he told us.
“It’s a privilege for our football club to shine a spotlight on this event and contribute to raising awareness
for breast cancer. Hardships “Moreover, we are making a substantial impact on the lives of the people in
and around Yeovil. As a father with a young family, I can’t fathom experiencing the same hardships I went
through when I lost my best friend. Knowing that we are playing our part in making those difficult times a
bit more manageable holds great significance for everyone.”
Two wonderful causes and perfect examples of the tireless voluntary work that goes on behind the scenes
in Non-League football to make events such as these possible.
As always, your support is vital to keep your local football club alive and kicking but also to help it thrive
as a hub of the community.